Malawi are seeking just a second visit to the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, with their only other tournament showing at the 1984 event in Cote d’Ivoire when they were knocked out in the first round.
They did manage a creditable 2-2 draw with eventual losing finalists Nigeria on that occasion and it is that similar kind of spirit they will need to muster if the Class of 2009 is to emulate that feat 25 years ago.
They have tasted some success in continental competition before when they won bronze at the 1987 All Africa Games in Kenya with much the same squad that had done duty in Cote d’Ivoire, while they have also claimed the East African CECAFA championship on three occasions as well in 1978, 1979 and 1988.
The current side is coached by experienced tactician Kinnah Phiri, who made his name at Bakili Bullets in his homeland, but has also coached Free State Stars in South Africa and the Malawian Under-23 side.
Many of the national play their football in South Africa, at both the Premiership and First Division level, while there are a handful of star who ply their trade in Europe, such as Essau Kanyenda (FC Kamaz, Russia) and Russel Mwafulirwa (IFK Norrköping, Sweden).
Jerome Onguene of Cameroon and Yamikani Chester of Malawi during the 2019 Afcon qualifying football match between Cameroon and Malawi at the Hamadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on 12 October 2018 ©Alain Suffo/BackpagePix
Pierre Kunde Malong of Cameroon during the 2019 Afcon qualifying football match between Cameroon and Malawi at the Hamadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on 12 October 2018 ©Alain Suffo/BackpagePix
Ambroise Onyongo Bitolo of Cameroon and Yamikani Chester of Malawi during the 2019 Afcon qualifying football match between Cameroon and Malawi at the Hamadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on 12 October 2018 ©Alain Suffo/BackpagePix
Eric Choupo-Moting of Cameroon shoots past John Lanjesi of Malawi during the 2019 Afcon qualifying football match between Cameroon and Malawi at the Hamadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on 12 October 2018 ©Alain Suffo/BackpagePix
Jacques Zoua of Cameroon during the 2019 Afcon qualifying football match between Cameroon and Malawi at the Hamadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on 12 October 2018 ©Alain Suffo/BackpagePix
Chikoti Chirwa of Malawi challenged by Nelson Da Luz of Angola during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Angola at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 29 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Yamikani Chestero of Angola challenged by Stanley Sanudi of Malawi during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Angola at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 29 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Dalisto Sailesi of Malawi challenged by Nelson Da Luz of Angola during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Angola at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 29 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Stanley Sanudi of Malawi challenged by Ricardo Estevao of Angola during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Angola at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 29 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Stanley Sanudi of Malawi challenged by Ricardo Estevao of Angola during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Angola at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 29 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Augusto Carneiro of Angola challenged by Levison Maganizo of Malawi during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Angola at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 29 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
John Lanjesi of Malawi challenged by Joseph Edouard of Mauritius during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Mauritius at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 27 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Jabulani Linje (c) of Malawi challenged by Jean Langue and Emmanuel Jean of Mauritius during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Mauritius at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 27 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Levison Maganizo of Mauritius during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Mauritius at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 27 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
John Lanjesi of Malawi challenged by Joseph Edouard of Mauritius during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Mauritius at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 27 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Chembezi Denis of Malawi challenged by Jeremy Villeneuve of Mauritius during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Mauritius at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 27 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Chikoti Chirwa of Malawi challenged by Jeremy Villeneuve of Mauritius during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Mauritius at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 27 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Innocent Bokosi of Malawi challenged by Emmanuel Jean of Mauritius during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Mauritius at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 27 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Levison Maganizo of Malawi challenged by Jean Langue of Mauritius during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Mauritius at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 27 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Miciam Mhone of Malawi challenged by Damien Balisson of Mauritius during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Malawi and Mauritius at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 27 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Mbaraka Abed of Tanzania challenged by Lucky Malata of Malawi during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Mbaraka Abed of Tanzania challenged by Stanley Sanudi of Malawi during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Francis Mulimbika of Malawi challenged by Saimon Msuva of Tanzania during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Simeon Singa of Malawi challenged by Mzamiru Said of Tanzania during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Francis Mulimbika of Malawi challenged by Saimon Msuva of Tanzania during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Simeon Singa of Malawi challenged by Mbaraka Abed of Tanzania during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Dalitso Sailesi of Malawi challenged by Erasto Nyoni of Tanzania during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Chikoti Chirwa of Malawi challenged by Mzamiru Said of Tanzania during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Dalitso Sailesi of Malawi challenged by Shomari Kapombe of Tanzania during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Himid Mkami of Tanzania challenged by Simeon Singa of Malawi during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Salim Mbonde of Tanzania challenged by Jabulani Linje of Malawi during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Salim Mbonde of Tanzania challenged by Jabulani Linje of Malawi during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Yahya Raamadhani of Tanzania challenged by Francis Mulimba of Malawi during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Dalitso Sailesi of Malawi tackled by Erasto Nyoni of Tanzania during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Tanzania and Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 25 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Mabuti Potloane of Lesotho challenged by Rafiq Namwera of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Malawi and Lesotho at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 16 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Jeremea Kamela of Lesotho challenged by Gabadinho Mhango of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Malawi and Lesotho at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 16 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Mabuti Potloane of Lesotho challenged by Isaac Kaliati of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Malawi and Lesotho at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 16 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Muhammad Sulumba of Malawi challenged by Kefuoe Mahula of Lesotho during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Malawi and Lesotho at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 16 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Isaac Kaliati of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Malawi and Lesotho at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 16 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Rafiq Namwera of Malawi challenged by Mabuti Potloane (r) and Jane Thaba-Ntso of Lesotho during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Malawi and Lesotho at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 16 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Chiukepo Pulli Msowoya of Malawi challenged by Basia Makepe of Lesotho during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Malawi and Lesotho at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 16 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Chiukepo Pulli Msowoya of Malawi challenged by Basia Makepe of Lesotho during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Malawi and Lesotho at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 16 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Tumelo Khutlang of Lesotho challenged by Rafiq Namwera of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Malawi and Lesotho at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 16 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Basia Makepe of Lesotho clears ball from Chiukepo Pulli Msowoya of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Malawi and Lesotho at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 16 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Isaac Kaliati of Malawi
Mabuti Potloane of Lesotho challenged by Rafiq Namwera of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Malawi and Lesotho at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 16 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Chiukepo Pulli Msowoya of Malawi challenged by Jane Thaba-Ntso of Lesotho during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Malawi and Lesotho at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 16 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Jonathan Pierre Bru of Mauritius challenged by Gerald Phiri of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Mauritius and Malawi at Independence Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 14 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Miracle Gabeya of Malawi challenged by Jean Pierre Sophie of Mauritius during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Mauritius and Malawi at Independence Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 14 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Gabadinho Mhango of Malawi clears ball from Louis Guiyano Chiffone of Mauritius during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Mauritius and Malawi at Independence Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 14 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Louis Guiyano Chiffone of Mauritius challenged by Josephy Kamwendo of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Mauritius and Malawi at Independence Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 14 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Jean Pierre Sophie of Mauritius challenged by Harry Nyirenda of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Mauritius and Malawi at Independence Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 14 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Cedric Permal of Mauritius challenges Chiukepo Pulli Msowoya of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Mauritius and Malawi at Independence Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 14 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Louis Guiyano Chiffone of Mauritius challenged by Francis Mulimbika of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Mauritius and Malawi at Independence Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 14 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Jean Pierre Sophie of Mauritius challenged by Francis Mulimbika of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Mauritius and Malawi at Independence Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 14 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Francis Mulimbika of Malawi challenged by Louis Guiyano Chiffone of Mauritius during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Mauritius and Malawi at Independence Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 14 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Louis Guiyano Chiffone of Mauritius challenged by Francis Mulimbika of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Mauritius and Malawi at Independence Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 14 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Allan Mukuka of Zambia tackled by Chimango Kayira of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Finals match between Zambia and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 29 May 2015
Chimango Kayira of Malawi tackled by Paul Katema of Zambia during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Finals match between Zambia and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 29 May 2015
Jackson Mwanza of Zambia battles with Gerald Phiri of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Finals match between Zambia and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 29 May 2015
Emmanuel Mbola of Zambia tackled by Miciam Mhome of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Finals match between Zambia and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 29 May 2015
Gerald Phiri of Malawi challenged by Emmanuel Mbola of Zambia during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Finals match between Zambia and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 29 May 2015
Lucky Malata of Malawi battles with Jackson Mwanza of Zambia during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Finals match between Zambia and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 29 May 2015
Allan Mukuka of Zambia tackled by John Banda of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Finals match between Zambia and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 29 May 2015
Gerald Phiri of Malawi battles with Thapelo Morena of South Africa during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Semi Finals match between South Africa and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 27 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Thapelo Morena of South Africa tackled by Livison Fodya of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Semi Finals match between South Africa and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 27 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Limbikani Mzava of Malawi challenged by Carl Lark of South Africa during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Semi Finals match between South Africa and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 27 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Tlou Segolela of South Africa challenged by John Banda of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Semi Finals match between South Africa and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 27 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
John Banda of Malawi tackled by Carl Lark of South Africa during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Semi Finals match between South Africa and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 27 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Carl Lark of South Africa battles with Lucky Malata of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Semi Finals match between South Africa and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 27 May 2015
McDanard Harawa of Malawi battles with Clayton Daniels of South Africa during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Semi Finals match between South Africa and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 27 May 2015
Gerald Phiri of Malawi battles with Thapelo Morena of South Africa during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Semi Finals match between South Africa and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 27 May 2015
Carl Lark of South Africa tackled by Chimango Kayira of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Semi Finals match between South Africa and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 27 May 2015
Micium Mhone of Malawi tackled by Motjeka Madisha of South Africa during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate Semi Finals match between South Africa and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 27 May 2015
John Lanjesi of Malawi challenged by Witness Quembo of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Luis Miquissone of Mozambique challenged by Chimongo Kayira of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Robin Ngalande of Malawi challenged by Gabriel Dove of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Witness Quembo of Mozambique battles with John Lanjesi of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Robin Ngalande of Malawi challenged by Gabriel Dove of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Gerald Phiri of Malawi challenged by Saddan Guambe of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Diogo Alberto of Mozambique challenged by John Lanjesi of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Estevo Massango of Mozambique battles with Muhammad Sulumba of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Robin Ngalande of Malawi challenged by Luis Miquissone of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
John Lanjesi of Malawi challenged by Witness Quembo of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Malawi
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